March 19 - 25, 2025
Aaron Wardle’s passion for music is unmatched
TAKE a journey through Greek and Nordic folklore at Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Myths and Legends’ concert, opening at the WPACC on Sunday, 6 April.
Travelling through musical eras dating back centuries, ‘Myths and Legends’ o ers an enthralling musical storytelling experience.
Wangaratta Baptist Church pastor and music enthusiast, Aaron Wardle, will be conducting the orchestra’s concert in April.
His passion for music started at just five years old with his first piano, an experience he described as both visually and auditorily stimulating, followed by the violin, which he said he played for nine years.
During his teenage years, he made the switch from strings to a brass instrument.
“I finished up [violin] when I was probably 14 or 15 because by then I’d started playing French horn,” Mr Wardle said.
At his high school in Tasmania, his violin teacher was the head of the music department and encouraged him to pick up di erent instruments, which is how he got started with the French horn.
■ Continued Page 6
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Butchering, Hunting, Homesteading....and loads more! ! !
◆ MAN OF MANY PROFESSIONS: Aaron Wardle, Pastor at Wangaratta Baptist Church and Conductor at Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra. PHOTOS: Grace Fredsberg
By GRACE FREDSBERG
VET CORNER
Tackling pet overpopulation: owners can make a difference
IN recent years, pet overpopulation has become a growing concern in Australia.
Shelters are overwhelmed with an increasing number of abandoned and unwanted animals, many of which face uncertain futures.
The issue is not only a challenge for local communities, but also imposes a significant strain on resources and animal welfare organisations.
Pet overpopulation is often fuelled by irresponsible breeding, unplanned litters, and a lack of education on responsible pet ownership.
The high number of stray animals and overcrowded shelters point to a need for urgent action, with adoption rates not keeping pace with the influx of animals.
So, what can pet owners do to help tackle this problem?
1. Spaying and neutering:
One of the most e ective
By
AND KIEWA VALLEY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
ways to combat overpopulation is by ensuring pets are spayed or neutered.
This simple procedure can prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters.
2. Adopting from shelters:
Opting to adopt rather than shop for a pet helps provide a loving home to animals in need.
By choosing adoption, pet owners can reduce the demand for breeding and give shelter animals a second chance at a fulfilling life.
3. Responsible breeding: If breeding pets, owners should do so responsibly, ensuring that animals are well cared for and that the new
owners are fully prepared for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Breeding should be done with the aim of improving the health and well-being of the breed, rather than for profit.
4. Education and awareness:
Pet owners and the wider community can help raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering, as well as the impact of pet overpopulation.
Supporting local shelters and getting involved in campaigns can make a significant di erence.
The problem of pet overpopulation is complex, but with the collective e ort of pet owners, breeders, and the community, it’s possible to reduce the strain on shelters and give more animals the chance to live happy and healthy lives in loving homes.
This day in history, 1867
CHILTERN TOWN HALL OPENED, 1867
CHILTERN TOWN HALL OPENED, 1867
GONE FISHING
Rain in rivers helps improve trout fishing
AS I sit here typing this report on Sunday afternoon I can hear rain falling on the roof and it’s like music to my ears.
Monday of last week there were some very healthy rainfall totals in some parts of the mountains which sent a flush of fresh water down the streams and really fired the trout up.
I fished in a small tributary of the Ovens River which had received some of that rain and was flowing quite well, and the trout fishing was amazing.
I had possibly the best trout fishing that I have experienced all season.
I have been talking a lot about the poor trout fishing this season, but already it’s starting to show signs of improvement.
Trout are one of the fastest growing freshwater fish species in the world.
The lack of larger fish would have meant less predation and more available food.
It rained last week, it’s raining right now and there is more rain forecast for later in the week.
If we can get some useful rain, that will help the trout to grow faster and the trout season should end much better than it started.
The Murray cod fishing continues to be OK, but not amazing in the rivers.
CHILTERN turned out to see the Mayor, Hiram A. Crawford, inaugurate the new Town Hall.
CHILTERN turned out to see the Mayor, Hiram A. Crawford, inaugurate the new Town Hall.
A public holiday was declared for the occasion.
A public holiday was declared for the occasion.
Back in the spring time there would have no doubt been tiny fish in the streams that we could barely see - trout fingerlings the size of minnows.
In some places now some of those trout are up over 25cm in length and starting to provide worthwhile fishing again.
We are heading into a very hit and miss season for Murray cod fishing now so don’t expect to head out and experience amazing fishing, but if you happen to be fishing on a day when the Murray cod are firing you may just have a very memorable fishing trip.
The best Murray cod fishing at the moment seems to be in Lake Mulwala.
GOOD TO SEE: A nice rainbow trout caught in a tributary of the Ovens River last Monday on a Strike Tiger Micro Minnow soft plastic in Black Caviar colour.
part in managing the pet overpopulation crisis. PHOTO: Shutterstock
OVENS
with Robbie Alexander WANGARATTA trout obbie
Do you have soundhypersensitivity? YOUR HEALTH
IT’S not unusual for people to report being overly sensitive to loud noises.
People of all ages and hearing abilities can notice this.
Some people are more a ected than others by loud noises.
This topic falls under the category of sound-hypersensitivity.
Firstly, consider sounds which everyone finds disturbing or annoying.
For example, when watching a child blow up a balloon, anticipation rises as the balloon gets close to the inevitable “POP” sound.
Most people find sounds such as a dripping tap or a squeaky chair annoying.
These are normal reactions.
People with hearing loss will often experience a reaction to loud sounds, called loudness recruitment.
All individuals have a limit in their range of comfortable loudness.
If an incoming sound exceeds this limit, it results in discomfort.
In normal hearing individuals, this limit is large because their audible range of hearing goes from very soft to extremely loud before becoming uncomfortable.
Hearing impaired individuals have a reduced dynamic range, as they cannot hear soft sounds.
Hearing aids increase the level of these sounds and amplified sounds may reach the discomfort limit sooner.
Professionally fit hearing aids can accommodate this.
During a hearing aid fitting, the audiologist will boost speech sounds while also limiting the ability of the hearing aid to produce sounds which are uncomfortable.
While the annoyance may not be reduced, the loudness can be.
By JIM THOMPSON, WANGARATTA AUDIOLOGY
One of the most reported types of sound-hypersensitivity disorders is a collection of symptoms called “hyperacusis”.
This is a dislike of common sounds, often causing physical discomfort.
Loudness hyperacusis is experienced at volumes most people would consider soft or only moderately loud.
In severe cases, pain may be experienced, leading to pain hyperacusis.
Aside from physical reactions such as hyperacusis, there are also disorders involving emotional reaction to sound.
Misophonia is a negative reaction to sounds such as hearing others chewing or sni ng, not loud sounds.
Phonophobia is an irrational fear that an upcoming, potential sound will be uncomfortable.
Unlike hyperacusis and misophonia, which are reactions to a sound that has been processed, phonophobia is negative emotion in anticipation of a sound.
Phonophobia is defined when the anticipated sound should not rationally cause anxiety.
Please note that for misophonia and phonophobia, it is important not to diagnose oneself too hastily.
It’s advisable to seek help from a GP or psychologist.
If you would like to make an appointment at Wangaratta Audiology with one of our audiologists, contact the clinic on (03) 5722 4433.
Everyone deserves to communicate.
Cosy up in the cooler months with Pacific Energy fireplaces
PACIFIC Energy are setting the stage for a warm and inviting winter season with a blend of innovative design and dependable performance.
As winter approaches, getting in early for fireplace season is not just a seasonal tip – it’s a call to upgrade to a heating solution that o ers both aesthetic appeal and robust functionality.
Crafted with pride in Canada, these fireplaces are a testament to quality and reliability.
The advanced stainless steel ba e system ensures consistent controlled burn, delivering long burn times of 12-15 hours.
This means homeowners can enjoy an overnight burn that keeps the cold at bay, making these fireplaces perfect for cosy evenings and ensuring the warmth lingers through the night.
In an era when e ciency
and environmental consciousness are paramount, Pacific Energy fireplaces shine with their high e ciency and low emissions.
They o er smart heater options that integrate modern technology into traditional warmth, allowing users to adjust settings e ortlessly and optimise energy usage.
The commitment to excellence is further reflected in their comprehensive 10 year coverage, providing peace of mind and underscoring the brand’s confidence in their product’s durability.
This season, as families gather and communities come together, Pacific Energy fireplaces invite everyone to
experience the perfect fusion of modern technology and classic comfort.
With features designed for longevity and performance, these fireplaces are more than just heating appliances – they are an investment in a warmer, more sustainable future. Now is the time to embrace the season, welcome the chill, and turn your home into a haven of comfort with Pacific Energy fireplaces.
FUNCTIONAL: Pacific Energy’s Neo 2.5 LE Wood Heater, available to purchase at My Slice of Life.
SCAN ME: Take a glance at My Slice of Life’s Pacific Energy collection.
By CHELSEA IBROM, MY SLICE OF LIFE
Aaron Wardle’s passion for music is unmatched
■ from page 1
Throughout the remainder of his high school years he received education department scholarships for his natural talent for the French horn, and got to play in the Tasmanian Youth Symphony Orchestra in grade 11, which he found to be a remarkable experience.
Additionally, he was contacted by the highly acclaimed Derwent Valley Concert Band to play with them for a Europe tour in 2001.
On the trip, he got to take part in the World Marching Band Championship in Germany, as well as immerse in European culture, performing across the continent in Sweden, Denmark and Austria.
While there, the concert band fostered a strong relationship with the Danish National Marching Band Association (DNMBA), which later landed them the op-
portunity of a lifetime.
When wedding bells rang for a lady from Tasmania and a prince from Denmark, formally known as Queen Mary and King Frederick of Denmark, Mr Wardle said the concert band received an invite from the DNMBA to perform at the event before millions of onlookers.
“When people ask, ‘How many people have you played in front of?’, I say ‘Well, a million,” he laughed.
It wasn’t until he moved to Wangaratta that he got his first taste of conducting.
After attending some rehearsals at the Wangaratta Concert Band, he was asked to conduct a piece in the rehearsal, which he ended up excelling in.
Later, he was asked to join the recently instated Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra post-pandemic by violinist Sally Ross.
“I initially went along to play horn with the orchestra, but as there was no other local conductors who were stepping up, I
FEATURE STORY
lent concerts in the last four years or so.
“It’s been really exciting to grow with the orchestra, and to see the orchestra grow itself.
“I think at first, we only had 1718 musicians.”
“Now, we’re north of 30 musicians playing with us.”
With the approaching ‘Myths and Legends’ concert, Mr Wardle said he enjoys classical music’s storytelling properties.
“When you think about the history of a lot of classical music, it actually tells story,” he said.
“Even some great works by classical composers are inspired by either stories or by nature.”
Contemporary items will also feature, including the original theme of Robin Hood, as well as ‘How To Train Your Dragon’, which he described as having “one of the most loveliest musical scores”.
“There’s also a really quirky one called ‘Cartoon Capers’, which sort of lends on Warner Brothers TV cartoons that I grew up watching on a Saturday morning,” he said.
“If you’re really into your classical, we tick that box, if you’re really into movies and TV shows, we tick that box,” he said.
gave it a go,” Mr Wardle said.
“I’ve grown a lot as conductor in the orchestra.
“We’ve put on several excel-
He explained myths and legends as an overarching theme that pulls in repertoire from classical literature, with items like Edward Greig’s ‘Morning Mood’ from the Norwegian ‘Peer Gynt’ and Beethoven’s Prometheus.
‘Myths and Legends’ with WSO is at the WPACC on Sunday, 6 April at 2.30pm. You can also catch WSO’s concert at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall on Sunday, 30 March at 2.30pm.
Tickets are available to purchase at each venue.
MUSICAL GENIUS: Aaron Wardle will be conducting the WSO’s upcoming ‘Myths and Legends’ concert.
NorthEast JOBS
WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB
FULL TIME GROUNDSPERSON/ GREENS KEEPER
Wangaratta Golf Club is currently looking for a Groundsperson/ Greens Keeper to assist the Head Green Keeper in maintaining the golf course, ensuring it is kept in optimal condition for play.
GENERAL GREEN KEEPING DUTIES:
• Safe and efficient operation of all mowing equipment.
• Setting up course for day’s play.
• Bunker maintenance.
• Pest identification and control.
• Irrigation system maintenance and management.
• Identification and reporting of areas for improvement, or problems that may be compromising the maintenance of the course in accordance with the Turf Management Plan, Environmental Policy, and OHS Policy.
• Undertakes any other work as directed by the Course Superintendent. Full time employment benefits as per company policy, salary based on experience. On the job training and potential for certification courses. Send resumes attention to Tracey McKinnon wangarattagolfclub@bigpond.com
EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER
A vacancy currently exists at Carraragarmungee PS for an Education Support Staff member for 30 hours per week. The role requires empathy, patience and excellent communication.
Working with students with additional needs who require emotional and social support in the classroom to maximise their access to learning. For detailed information please contact Marie de Prada, Principal Carraragarmungee PS on 0427 012 374.
Your local Wangaratta Chronicle has brought together local employers and local employees for generations ...and it is no di erent today. People prefer to work close to home, to save on transport costs, the frustration of travel and to be closer to family.
www.northeastjobs.com.au
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
Learning Enhancement Teacher Junior School
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
Learning Enhancement Teacher Junior School
Learning Enhancement Teacher Junior School
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
Food and Technology Teacher
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
(Fixed-term 0.4 FTE, possibility of ongoing employment)
Food and Technology Teacher
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
Food and Technology Teacher
Chief Exam Supervisor
Chief Exam Supervisor
GAT/Examination Supervisors (Casual/short term)
(Part-time, possibility of ongoing employment)
GAT/Examination Supervisors (Casual/short term)
Chief Exam Supervisor
Please
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
GAT/Examination Supervisors (Casual/short term)
Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
PEACE OF
In-home aged care may o er more tailored support to your loved one’s needs and desires, putting your mind at ease.
The benefits of inhome aged care
AS our loved ones age, we are faced with important decisions about their care and wellbeing.
One increasingly popular option for seniors and their families is in-home aged care.
There are numerous benefits of choosing inhome care over nursing homes or assisted living facilities, particularly when considering comfort, familiarity, and personalised care.
1. Comfort in familiar surroundings
Many older Australians prefer in-home aged care because their homes hold a lifetime of memories and are often filled with cherished possessions, providing familiarity.
By staying in the comfort of their own home, older Australians can maintain a sense of security and emotional well-being.
2. Preserving independence
Unlike institutional settings, older Australians receiving in-home care have greater control over their daily lives and routine, promoting their independence and sense of autonomy.
3. Personalised care plans
In-home care allows for highly personalised care plans tailored to each individual’s specific needs, which may be more di cult to achieve in larger facilities.
Caregivers can provide one-on-one attention, adapting to changes in health and preferences as they arise.
4. Emotional benefits
Older Australians who receive care at home may be provided with a stronger emotional support system than in a nursing home, lessening feelings of
By MICHELLE AZARIS, TIMELESS SUPPORT
anxiety, depression and isolation.
5. Enhanced quality of life
Older Australians who remain at home can continue to engage in their favourite hobbies and activities, which can contribute to a higher quality of life.
6. Reduced Risk of Infections
Especially in recent times, concerns about infectious diseases have made in-home care an attractive option for protecting individuals vulnerable to illness.
7. Cost-e ective option
In-home care can also be a cost-e ective choice.
When compared to the high costs associated with nursing homes or assisted living facilities, inhome care can often be more a ordable, particularly when considering shared living expenses.
8. Family involvement and peace of mind
With in-home care, family members can be more directly involved in and informed about their loved one’s daily life and care, giving them some peace of mind.
In-home aged care o ers a range of benefits that may not be achieved with nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
It allows seniors to age gracefully while remaining in the place they call home, surrounded by the people and memories they cherish.
Timeless Support has been approved to provide subsidised home care services through the Australian Government.
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to receive care and services, funded either fully or partly by the Government. We can support you on your journey.
MIND:
By MICHAEL BAILLIE, NORTH EAST FASTENERS